2009 Ford Escape vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Ford Escape is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Escape (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 906 kg more than 2009 Ford Escape.
Because 2009 Ford Escape is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Escape. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Escape | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Escape | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
